ADVERTISEMENT. 



Hand-books devoted to scientific subjects in a 

 popular manner were never so much in need as at 

 the present time, when readers of every description 

 demand not only entertainment but enlightenment. 

 This is so even of fiction, where the diversion is 

 made to carry and temper the lesson. In a book 

 like the present one the reverse is the case. The 

 instruction is made the vehicle for amusement. 

 This will be plain to any reader who loves the 

 open air and cares to gain an easy acquaintance 

 with its inhabitants. It will be patent, as well, to 

 the scientific investigator who takes up the book 

 for verification of observed facts. 



While adhering strictly to a systematic arrange- 

 ment of the genera and species, the use of all 

 terms which would in aiiy degree confuse the lay 

 reader or detract from the popular character of 



the book has been avoided ; yet it is quite prob- 

 1* (v) 



